I shake my head. “No. We can talk just fine out here.”
His shoulders slump a bit. Guys like Tanner Lawrence aren’t used to hearing the word no too often. “I wanted to stop by and let you know that I explained your situation to my higher-ups and was able to get you a thirty-day extension, which means you have two months from now to get the money together to pay the taxes before the state moves forward with seizing the trailer park. It was the best I could do.”
“Why would you do that?” I ask, but I’m grateful that he did. I’ve been here only a month and I never had any intention of staying long-term. I wanted to get back to my life in New York as soon as I could, but this extension changes a situation that I thought was impossible to fix to one I might have a long shot at fixing if I get a job quickly. I was nearly ready to give up on Willow Acres since there was no way I could come up with twenty thousand dollars in thirty days.
Besides, my relationship with Ace changes things too. I won’t run back to New York immediately like I planned . . . at least not until Ace figures out what he’s going to do. By sticking around here a little longer, I might have a real shot at saving my home.
I pull myself out of my thoughts to stare down at Tanner. “Thank you, Tanner. I really appreciate that.”
Tanner gives me a sad smile, making one of his dimples stand out prominently. “It was no trouble at all. I’d like to believe we’re still friends. I know I did you wrong, and you’ve got every right to hate me, so I figured using what little bit of power I have to help you is the least I can do. I’m sorry I was such an asshole while we were together, Iris.”
For the first time since we broke up nearly two years ago, I finally believe Tanner’s apology. But it’s not enough to erase the hurt and humiliation he caused me, so the second chance he’s begged me for over the last couple years still isn’t going to happen.
I sigh as I stare down at him and smile. “I forgive you, but this doesn’t change anything between us. It’s still over.”
He picks at a knot in the handrail. “Who was the guy, anyway? I haven’t seen him around here before.”
I stiffen, not wanting to answer any questions about who Ace is. “He’s new in town.”
“That’s what I figured. Where’s he from and what’s he doing here? It’s not like there are jobs around here or anything. No one chooses to just up and move to Sarahsville.”
After a second of quick thinking, I make up the very first thing that pops into mind to help throw him off wanting to find out anything else about Ace. “He was Sadie Hill’s nephew. He moved into her old place since he was one of the heirs in her will.”
Tanner narrows his blue eyes at the trailer next to mine. “I didn’t know Sadie had any family. I always thought it was just her.” He turns back to me. “Well, be careful. You don’t know him, and I would hate to have to beat the shit out of him for hurting you.”
I open my mouth to say thanks again, but is that really something I want to thank him for? Instead, I give him a half smile. “Thanks for the tax extension, Tanner. I’ll try my hardest to get enough money to you by the end of the sixty days.”
He nods. “Okay. I’ll see you around, Iris. Call me if you need me.” His eyes flick to Ace’s place, then back to me. “I mean it, anything you need, get in touch with me.”
After Tanner leaves, I hurry into the shower. A brilliant idea occurs to me and I can’t wait to get it set in motion. I dry off and then rush into the kitchen and dial Birdie’s work number.
“Angel’s,” a rough man’s voice answers after two rings.
“Hi. May I speak with Birdie, please? It’s Iris,” I reply.
“Hold on.” There’s a distinct sound of the receiver hitting the counter before the man yells across the room, “Birdie, phone’s for you.”
“Who is it?” I hear my friend ask from a distance, making her voice barely audible.
“That hot friend of yours that you had in here the other night, Flower or something,” the guy replies, and I roll my eyes at his description of me.
“You mean Iris, dickwad.” Birdie’s voice is so much closer now, like she’s coming to it, and then she picks up the phone. “What’s up, girlie?”
“Hey. Sorry to bother you at work, but I wanted to ask you if Angel was hiring?”
“Um, not sure. I know we had a girl quit last week because she’s pregnant and starting to show. Her tips were for shit. The asshole male species apparently have some moral code about flirting with a pregnant chick and always asked to be seated in a different section, giving her no choice but to quit. So yeah, we might. Let me ask.” She lowers the phone. “Angel, you filled Megan’s spot yet? You know you’ll need the extra help once I start second shift later this week.”
The same guy who answered the phone mumbles something about the size of my chest, and I raise my eyebrows, thinking of how he just called me hot moments ago. I didn’t know Angel himself was so crude.
I hear the two of them talking back and forth, but her hand must be over the phone because I can barely make out what they’re saying.
“You’re hired!” Birdie says into the phone, and I can feel the excitement in her voice. “Be ready at nine in the morning, I’ll pick you up and train you tomorrow.”
“Wow,” I say, completely flabbergasted at how easy that was. “Thank you so much, Birdie. I owe you one.”